Druze and Christians clash in northern Israel

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 |
Israel Today Staff

Hundreds of Druze and Christian Arabs violently clashed in the northern Israel town of Shfaram overnight Tuesday following rumors that a video insulting a Druze spiritual leader had been posted on the Internet.

Hundreds of Israeli police were dispatched to the scene, and quickly came under attack themselves. Several of the rioters even opened fire on police. One officer was lightly wounded, and another's life was saved when his flack jacket stopped a bullet.

Israel Radio reports that nine young men from Shfaram were wounded during the brawl.

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